Method and arrangement for providing a gas-tight housing joint

ABSTRACT

A method and arrangement is provided to form a gas-tight joint between two housing portions, e.g. between an end flange and a tubular pole-unit housing for a circuit interrupter or an insulating support column. The joint is formed via a heat-shrink process to provide an interference fit. The housing is provided with grooves to retrain adhesive during the assembly process.

[0001] This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/017,177, entitled “Method and Arrangement for Providing a Gas-Tight Housing Joint,” filed on Dec. 18, 2001, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to the field of gas-tight housings for protective devices and systems for electrical power transmission and distribution systems, and more particularly to a method and arrangement for providing a gastight joint between two housing portions, e.g. between an end flange and a tubular pole-unit housing for a circuit interrupter or an insulating support column.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] Various methods are know for providing a gas-tight joint between a flange/end fitting and a tubular housing, e.g. especially for arrangements involving the end closures of gas-tight enclosures. One method utilizes a heat-shrink process whereby a metallic end flange is heated and assembled onto a tubular housing to which adhesive has been applied. Another method utilizes a flange having internal grooves that is assembled onto a tubular housing.

[0006] While the prior art arrangements may be useful to provide housing joints, these prior arrangements do not provide a desirable interference fit and the advantage of a grooved assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention to provide a gas-tight joint between a housing and an end flange.

[0008] These and other objects of the present invention are efficiently achieved by the provision of a method and arrangement for providing a gas-tight joint between two housing portions, e.g. between an end flange and a tubular pole-unit housing for a circuit interrupter or an insulating support column. The joint is formed via a heat-shrink process to provide an interference fit. The housing is provided with grooves to retain adhesive during the assembly process.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0009] The invention, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the specification taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing in which:

[0010]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a circuit interrupter with parts cut away for clarity that utilizes the joint method and arrangement of the present invention;

[0011]FIG. 2 is a partial sectional view of the circuit interrupter of FIG. 1;

[0012]FIG. 3 is an elevational view of a portion of the housing of the circuit interrupter of FIGS. 1 and 2; and

[0013]FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial view of the housing of FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Referring now to an illustrative application of the present invention as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a circuit interrupter 10 utilizing the method and arrangement of the present invention provides electrical connection to power system circuit terminals at connection points 12, 14, at the top and bottom respectively of the circuit interrupter 10. In an illustrative embodiment, a housing 20 of the operating mechanism 10 provides a sealed environment containing a gas, e.g. an insulating gas such as SF₆. This is advantageous in implementations where the interrupter 10 contains a pressurized gas such as SF₆. The connection points 12, 14 are provided on respective end flanges 16, 18 carried by the housing 20 of the circuit interrupter 10. The end flanges 16, 18 are affixed to the housing 20 during fabrication thereof to provide gas-tight joints as will be explained in more detail hereinafter.

[0015] The circuit interrupter 10 includes upper and lower current carrying contact structures 22, 24 respectively that are relatively movable to open and close the circuit interrupter and thus make and break the electrical connection between the connection points 12, 14. In the illustrative circuit interrupter 10 of FIG. 1, the lower contact structure 24 is movable via an operating rod 26 so as to define an open gap at 30 when the circuit interrupter 10 is open. Specifically, the lower contact structure 24 includes a movable contact member 41 that is movable via the operating rod 26 and a fixed contact member 42 that supports and transfers current at 43 to the movable contact member 41 that moves within the fixed contact member 42. For example, a flexible contact arrangement is provided at 43 between the relatively movable contact members 41, 42. At the upper end of the circuit interrupt 10, an end plate 90 is secured to the upper end flange 16 along with an appropriate sealing element 94 (FIG. 2).

[0016] Considering now important aspects of the present invention, a gas-tight joint is provided between the housing 20 and the end flanges 16 and 18. In a preferred embodiment, the assembly is accomplished via a heat-shrink process whereby the end flanges 16, 18 are heated and assembled onto the tubular housing 20 to which adhesive has been applied. Referring now additionally to FIGS. 3-4, the tubular housing 20 at each end portion includes a pattern 50 of grooves 52, e.g. five grooves 52 in an illustrative specific embodiment. The grooves 52 are formed or machined so as to define reduced outer diameter bands or regions on the external circumference of the housing 20, e.g. grooves 50 alternating between the larger outer diameter portions 54 of the housing 20, the portions 54 also may be characterized as bands or regions 54. During assembly, adhesive is applied over the pattern 50. The inner diameter 60 (FIG. 2) of the end flanges 16, 18 is dimensioned at normal temperatures to be a predetermined dimension less than the outer diameter of the tubular housing 20 at the regions or bands 54, e.g. 0.010 of an inch for a tubular housing 22 of approximately 5 inches outer diameter. Thus, an interference fit is established between the portions 54 and the end flanges 16, 18, the end flanges 16, 18 being heated to afford clearance between the housing and the flange for assembly, e.g. heating to a temperature in the range of 150-200 degrees Centigrade, e.g. for end flanges 16, 18 fabricated from aluminum and a housing 22 fabricated from fiberglass. This results in an appropriate interference fit when the parts are cooled, e.g. a gas-tight joint over a temperature range of −40 C to +85 C with a gas pressure of 75 psi. In a specific implementation, the grooves 52 are approximately 0.005 of an inch deep and the bands or regions defined thereby are approximately 0.250 of an inch wide. These dimensions have been found to provide a suitable gas-tight joint using epoxy adhesive in the grooves 52, i.e. the grooves 52 retain sufficient adhesive during and after assembly.

[0017] The relative dimensions including the depth of the grooves 52 are chosen to ensure that a desirable and appropriate amount of adhesive is retained therein during the heat-shrink assembly process and even if some wiping action occurs at the high points at 54. These dimensions have also been found suitable to avoid excessive adhesive that might result from grooves 52 of excessive depth that might result in any significant degradation of the joint between the end flanges 16, 18 and the tubular housing 20 during thermal extremes. Thus, the grooves 52 maintain the appropriate amount of adhesive to ensure a gas-tight joint and the intermediate portions 54 provide a desirable mechanical shrink fit over a desired range of temperatures, i.e. in a specific example, the gas-tight interference joint is maintained at 85 C and no damage is done to the housing 20 as a result of the added compressive forces at −40 C. Additionally, the gas-tight joint is maintained when the housing 20 is loaded with a resultant moment at the joint of 20-30,000 in-lb.

[0018] While there have been illustrated and described various embodiments of the present invention, it will be apparent that various changes and modifications will occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended in the appended claims to cover all such changes and modifications that fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention. 

1. A method for making an insulating column for an electrical power system, comprising the steps of: a) providing a housing; b) providing a flange that includes an inner diameter; c) assembling the flange onto the housing; d) reducing the inner diameter of the flange; and e) containing an insulating gas within the housing.
 2. A method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of applying an adhesive.
 3. A method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of applying an epoxy adhesive.
 4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the steps of: a) providing the insulating column with a groove; and b) applying an adhesive so that the adhesive is located within the groove.
 5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of providing the insulating column with a plurality of grooves.
 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the insulating gas includes SF₆.
 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the housing includes a fiberglass.
 8. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of sealing the insulating gas within the housing.
 9. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of providing an interference fit between the housing and the flange.
 10. A method for making an insulating column for an electrical power system, comprising the steps of: a) providing a housing; b) providing a flange; c) heating the flange; d) assembling the flange onto the housing; e) allowing the flange to cool; and f) containing an insulating gas within the housing.
 11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the step of dimensioning an inner diameter of the flange for heating and assembling onto the housing.
 12. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the step of expanding a diameter of the flange.
 13. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the step of applying an adhesive.
 14. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the step of applying an epoxy adhesive.
 15. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the steps of: a) providing the insulating column with a groove; and b) applying an adhesive so that the adhesive is located within the groove.
 16. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the step of providing the insulating column with a plurality of grooves.
 17. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the step of providing the insulating column with a groove that is machined to provide a reduced diameter capable of receiving an adhesive.
 18. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the step of providing the insulating column with a groove that is formed to provide a reduced diameter capable of receiving an adhesive.
 19. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the step of providing the insulating column with a plurality of grooves having a reduced diameter and located between a plurality of alternating larger diameter portions.
 20. The method according to claim 10, wherein the insulating gas includes SF₆.
 21. The method according to claim 10, wherein the housing includes a fiberglass.
 22. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the step of creating a gas-tight seal between the housing and the flange.
 23. The method according to claim 10, wherein the flange is assembled onto the housing via a heat-shrink process.
 24. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the step of sealing the insulating gas within the housing.
 25. The method according to claim 10, wherein the flange is provided with an inner diameter that is dimensioned to be less than an outer diameter of the housing.
 26. The method according to claim 10, wherein the flange is provided with an inner diameter that is dimensioned to be 0.010 of an inch less than an outer diameter of the housing.
 27. The method according to claim 10, wherein the flange is provided with an inner diameter dimensioned for heat shrinking onto the housing.
 28. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the steps of: a) heating the flange; and b) providing an interference fit between the housing and the flange.
 29. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the step of heating the flange to a temperature in the range of 150-200 degrees Centigrade so as to heat shrink the flange onto the housing.
 30. The method according to claim 10, wherein the flange includes aluminum.
 31. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the step of providing the insulating column with a plurality of grooves that are dimensioned to retain an adhesive during assembly.
 32. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the step of providing the insulating column with a plurality of grooves that are dimensioned to retain an adhesive after assembly.
 33. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the step of providing the insulating column with a plurality of grooves that are dimensioned to retain an adhesive during a heat shrink process.
 34. A method for making an insulating column for an electrical power system, comprising the steps of: a) providing a housing; b) locating a current carrying structure inside the housing; c) providing a flange; d) heating the flange; e) assembling the flange onto the housing; and f) allowing the flange to cool.
 35. The method according to claim 34, further comprising the step of dimensioning an inner diameter of the flange for heating and assembling onto the housing.
 36. The method according to claim 34, further comprising the step of expanding a diameter of the flange.
 37. The method according to claim 34, further comprising the step of applying an adhesive.
 38. The method according to claim 34, further comprising the step of applying an epoxy adhesive.
 39. The method according to claim 34, further comprising the steps of: a) providing the insulating column with a groove; and b) applying an adhesive so that the adhesive is located within the groove.
 40. The method according to claim 34, further comprising the step of providing the insulating column with a plurality of grooves.
 41. The method according to claim 34, further comprising the step of providing the insulating column with a groove that is machined to provide a reduced diameter capable of receiving an adhesive.
 42. The method according to claim 34, further comprising the step of providing the insulating column with a groove that is formed to provide a reduced diameter capable of receiving an adhesive.
 43. The method according to claim 34, further comprising the step of providing the insulating column with a plurality of grooves having a reduced diameter and located between a plurality of alternating larger diameter portions.
 44. The method according to claim 34, wherein the current carrying structure includes a contact member.
 45. The method according to claim 34, wherein the housing includes a fiberglass.
 46. The method according to claim 34, further comprising the step of creating a gas-tight seal between the housing and the flange.
 47. The method according to claim 34, wherein the flange is assembled onto the housing via a heat-shrink process.
 48. The method according to claim 34, wherein the flange is provided with an inner diameter that is dimensioned to be less than an outer diameter of the housing.
 49. The method according to claim 34, wherein the flange is provided with an inner diameter that is dimensioned to be 0.010 of an inch less than an outer diameter of the housing.
 50. The method according to claim 34, wherein the flange is provided with an inner diameter dimensioned for heat shrinking onto the housing.
 51. The method according to claim 34, further comprising the steps of: a) heating the flange; and b) providing an interference fit between the housing and the flange.
 52. The method according to claim 34, further comprising the step of heating the flange to a temperature in the range of 150-200 degrees Centigrade so as to heat shrink the flange onto the housing.
 53. The method according to claim 34, wherein the flange includes aluminum.
 54. The method according to claim 34, further comprising the step of providing the insulating column with a plurality of grooves that are dimensioned to retain an adhesive during assembly.
 55. The method according to claim 34, further comprising the step of providing the insulating column with a plurality of grooves that are dimensioned to retain an adhesive after assembly.
 56. The method according to claim 34, further comprising the step of providing the insulating column with a plurality of grooves that are dimensioned to retain an adhesive during a heat shrink process.
 57. A method for making an insulating column for an electrical power system, comprising the steps of: a) providing a housing; b) locating a current carrying structure inside the housing; c) providing a flange; d) heating the flange; e) assembling the flange onto the housing; f) allowing the flange to cool; and g) containing an insulating gas within the housing.
 58. The method according to claim 57, further comprising the step of dimensioning an inner diameter of the flange for heating and assembling onto the housing.
 59. The method according to claim 57, further comprising the step of expanding a diameter of the flange.
 60. The method according to claim 57, further comprising the step of applying an adhesive.
 61. The method according to claim 57, further comprising the step of applying an epoxy adhesive.
 62. The method according to claim 57, further comprising the steps of: a) providing the insulating column with a groove; and b) applying an adhesive so that the adhesive is located within the groove.
 63. The method according to claim 57, further comprising the step of providing the insulating column with a plurality of grooves.
 64. The method according to claim 57, further comprising the step of providing the insulating column with a groove that is machined to provide a reduced diameter capable of receiving an adhesive.
 65. The method according to claim 57, further comprising the step of providing the insulating column with a groove that is formed to provide a reduced diameter capable of receiving an adhesive.
 66. The method according to claim 57, further comprising the step of providing the insulating column with a plurality of grooves having a reduced diameter and located between a plurality of alternating larger diameter portions.
 67. The method according to claim 57, wherein the insulating gas includes SF₆.
 68. The method according to claim 57, wherein the current carrying structure includes a contact member.
 69. The method according to claim 57, wherein the housing includes a fiberglass.
 70. The method according to claim 57, further comprising the step of creating a gas-tight seal between the housing and the flange.
 71. The method according to claim 57, wherein the flange is assembled onto the housing via a heat-shrink process.
 72. The method according to claim 57, further comprising the step of sealing the insulating gas within the housing.
 73. The method according to claim 57, wherein the flange is provided with an inner diameter that is dimensioned to be less than an outer diameter of the housing.
 74. The method according to claim 57, wherein the flange is provided with an inner diameter that is dimensioned to be 0.010 of an inch less than an outer diameter of the housing.
 75. The method according to claim 57, wherein the flange is provided with an inner diameter dimensioned for heat shrinking onto the housing.
 76. The method according to claim 57, further comprising the steps of: a) heating the flange; and b) providing an interference fit between the housing and the flange.
 77. The method according to claim 57, further comprising the step of heating the flange to a temperature in the range of 150-200 degrees Centigrade so as to heat shrink the flange onto the housing.
 78. The method according to claim 57, wherein the flange includes aluminum.
 79. The method according to claim 57, further comprising the step of providing the insulating column with a plurality of grooves that are dimensioned to retain an adhesive during assembly.
 80. The method according to claim 57, further comprising the step of providing the insulating column with a plurality of grooves that are dimensioned to retain an adhesive after assembly.
 81. The method according to claim 57, further comprising the step of providing the insulating column with a plurality of grooves that are dimensioned to retain an adhesive during a heat shrink process.
 82. An insulating column, comprising: a) a housing provided with an outer diameter; b) a current carrying structure located within the housing; c) an insulating gas contained within the housing; d) a flange provided with an inner diameter that is dimensioned to be less than the outer diameter of the housing; e) an adhesive located between the flange and the housing; and f) a gas-tight seal, wherein the inner diameter of the flange is expanded to provide a clearance between the housing and the flange and assembled onto the housing.
 83. The insulating column according to claim 82, wherein the inner diameter of the flange is dimensioned for heating and assembling onto the housing.
 84. The insulating column according to claim 82, wherein the inner diameter of the flange is expanded by heating.
 85. The insulating column according to claim 82, wherein the adhesive includes an epoxy.
 86. The insulating column according to claim 82, wherein the insulating column is provided with a groove and the adhesive is located within the groove.
 87. The insulating column according to claim 82, wherein the insulating column is provided with a plurality of grooves.
 88. The insulating column according to claim 82, wherein the insulating column is provided with a groove that is machined to provide a reduced diameter capable of receiving the adhesive.
 89. The insulating column according to claim 82, wherein the insulating column is provided with a groove that is formed to provide a reduced diameter capable of receiving the adhesive.
 90. The insulating column according to claim 82, wherein the insulating column is provided with a plurality of grooves having a reduced diameter and located between a plurality of alternating larger diameter portions.
 91. The insulating column according to claim 82, wherein the insulating gas includes SF₆.
 92. The insulating column according to claim 82, wherein the current carrying structure includes a contact member.
 93. The insulating column according to claim 82, wherein the housing includes a fiberglass.
 94. The insulating column according to claim 82, wherein the flange is assembled onto the housing via a heat-shrink process.
 95. The insulating column according to claim 82, wherein the insulating gas is sealed within the housing.
 96. The insulating column according to claim 82, wherein the inner diameter of the flange is dimensioned to be 0.010 of an inch less than the outer diameter of the housing.
 97. The insulating column according to claim 82, wherein an interference fit is created between the housing and the flange.
 98. The insulating column according to claim 82, wherein the flange is heated to a temperature in the range of 150-200 degrees Centigrade.
 99. The insulating column according to claim 82, wherein the flange includes aluminum.
 100. The insulating column according to claim 82, wherein the insulating column is provided with a plurality of grooves that are dimensioned to retain the adhesive during assembly.
 101. The insulating column according to claim 82, wherein the insulating column is provided with a plurality of grooves that are dimensioned to retain the adhesive after assembly.
 102. The insulating column according to claim 82, wherein the insulating column is provided with a plurality of grooves that are dimensioned to retain the adhesive during a heat shrink process.
 103. An insulating column, comprising: a) a housing provided with an outer diameter; b) an insulating gas contained within the housing; c) a flange provided with an inner diameter that is dimensioned to be less than the outer diameter of the housing; d) an adhesive located between the flange and the housing; and e) a gas-tight seal, wherein the inner diameter of the flange is expanded to provide a clearance between the housing and the flange and assembled onto the housing.
 104. The insulating column according to claim 103, wherein the inner diameter of the flange is dimensioned for heating and assembling onto the housing.
 105. The insulating column according to claim 103, wherein the inner diameter of the flange is expanded by heating.
 106. The insulating column according to claim 103, wherein the adhesive includes an epoxy.
 107. The insulating column according to claim 103, wherein the insulating column is provided with a groove and the adhesive is located within the groove.
 108. The insulating column according to claim 103, wherein the insulating column is provided with a plurality of grooves.
 109. The insulating column according to claim 103, wherein the insulating column is provided with a groove that is machined to provide a reduced diameter capable of receiving the adhesive.
 110. The insulating column according to claim 103, wherein the insulating column is provided with a groove that is formed to provide a reduced diameter capable of receiving the adhesive.
 111. The insulating column according to claim 103, wherein the insulating column is provided with a plurality of grooves having a reduced diameter and located between a plurality of alternating larger diameter portions.
 112. The insulating column according to claim 103, wherein the insulating gas includes SF₆.
 113. The insulating column according to claim 103, wherein the housing includes a fiberglass.
 114. The insulating column according to claim 103, wherein the flange is assembled onto the housing via a heat-shrink process.
 115. The insulating column according to claim 103, wherein the insulating gas is sealed within the housing.
 116. The insulating column according to claim 103, wherein the inner diameter of the flange is dimensioned to be 0.010 of an inch less than the outer diameter of the housing.
 117. The insulating column according to claim 103, wherein an interference fit is created between the housing and the flange.
 118. The insulating column according to claim 103, wherein the flange is heated to a temperature in the range of 150-200 degrees Centigrade.
 119. The insulating column according to claim 103, wherein the flange includes aluminum.
 120. The insulating column according to claim 103, wherein the insulating column is provided with a plurality of grooves that are dimensioned to retain the adhesive during assembly.
 121. The insulating column according to claim 103, wherein the insulating column is provided with a plurality of grooves that are dimensioned to retain the adhesive after assembly.
 122. The insulating column according to claim 103, wherein the insulating column is provided with a plurality of grooves that are dimensioned to retain the adhesive during a heat shrink process.
 123. An insulating column, comprising: a) a housing provided with an outer diameter; b) a current carrying structure located within the housing; c) a flange provided with an inner diameter that is dimensioned to be less than the outer diameter of the housing; d) an adhesive located between the flange and the housing; and e) a gas-tight seal, wherein the inner diameter of the flange is expanded to provide a clearance between the housing and the flange and assembled onto the housing.
 124. The insulating column according to claim 123, wherein the inner diameter of the flange is dimensioned for heating and assembling onto the housing.
 125. The insulating column according to claim 123, wherein the inner diameter of the flange is expanded by heating.
 126. The insulating column according to claim 123, wherein the adhesive includes an epoxy.
 127. The insulating column according to claim 123, wherein the insulating column is provided with a groove and the adhesive is located within the groove.
 128. The insulating column according to claim 123, wherein the insulating column is provided with a plurality of grooves.
 129. The insulating column according to claim 123, wherein the insulating column is provided with a groove that is machined to provide a reduced diameter capable of receiving the adhesive.
 130. The insulating column according to claim 123, wherein the insulating column is provided with a groove that is formed to provide a reduced diameter capable of receiving the adhesive.
 131. The insulating column according to claim 123, wherein the insulating column is provided with a plurality of grooves having a reduced diameter and located between a plurality of alternating larger diameter portions.
 132. The insulating column according to claim 123, wherein the current carrying structure includes a contact member.
 133. The insulating column according to claim 123, wherein the housing includes a fiberglass.
 134. The insulating column according to claim 123, wherein the flange is assembled onto the housing via a heat-shrink process.
 135. The insulating column according to claim 123, wherein the inner diameter is dimensioned to be 0.010 of an inch less than the outer diameter of the housing.
 136. The insulating column according to claim 123, wherein an interference fit is created between the housing and the flange.
 137. The insulating column according to claim 123, wherein the flange is heated to a temperature in the range of 150-200 degrees Centigrade.
 138. The insulating column according to claim 123, wherein the flange includes aluminum.
 139. The insulating column according to claim 123, wherein the insulating column is provided with a plurality of grooves that are dimensioned to retain the adhesive during assembly.
 140. The insulating column according to claim 123, wherein the insulating column is provided with a plurality of grooves that are dimensioned to retain the adhesive after assembly.
 141. The insulating column according to claim 123, wherein the insulating column is provided with a plurality of grooves that are dimensioned to retain the adhesive during a heat shrink process. 